The rush and chaotic nature of life can make it difficult to slow down and appreciate the small moments. It is important that we exercise empathy and compassion throughout the year and recognize those who have meaningful impacts on our lives. Especially during the new year, our focus turns to trying to better ourselves, but we often don’t turn our resolutions towards how we can improve the lives of others.
Empathy and compassion:
It goes beyond just being a kind person; empathy requires one to genuinely feel the weight of others’ emotions to resonate with what they experience, not simply feeling for them.
Empathy can create a ripple in one’s life past what we may see. For a person receiving true empathy, they feel supported in both positive and negative emotional experiences. The vulnerability of emotional trust formed through empathy creates a bond, for each person knows that they are able to authentically express their emotions without fear of judgement.
However, being empathetic isn’t always beautiful. Resonating with someone’s emotions may mean suffering with them, carrying an internal, heavy weight. Yet, this negative side of empathy must be recognized as a reason to lift others up through one’s solidarity with their suffering.
Since the pandemic, 66% of people in different countries have experienced increased stress, with 42% reporting a decline in mental health. Knowing this, people must take the time to act compassionately towards others to help them avoid burnout, depression and social isolation.
Although empathy is a vulnerable emotional state, it is also important to express it not only to our close friends and family, but to those encountered on a superficial level – coworkers, acquaintances, patients, etc. People must express genuine interest in others’ lives to make them feel heard and valued.
Sonder:
In relation to empathy, sonder is the understanding that everyone experiences the world differently. Every person that we encounter has a story just as complex as our own.
Sonder awareness can improve how day-to-day situations are approached — from getting road rage over a driver eagerly going above the speed limit, to a mother struggling to quiet her infant on an overnight flight. Maybe the driver is late for an important event or maybe the infant on the plane is traveling to visit family for the first time.
While sonder is a complex idea to comprehend and everyone’s lives are different, we’re all experiencing life together. All humans have emotions; all humans have the same instincts. Knowing this, one should carry themselves with an open mind to how they appreciate and react to situations.
On a deeper level, one must express empathy and gratitude to those with whom one has true, lasting connections. Out of eight billion people in the world, one must acknowledge the fact that they are fortunate enough to form a bond with family and friends.
When thinking about the people one is close to in their life, the phrase “I love you” is often reserved for close family or romantic partners. But how often do people pause to express gratitude and love for those who have an impact on one’s everyday life? Many actions deserve recognition, no matter how simple.
It is also formed through a lasting bond with someone beyond a superficial friendship. It is easy to look past forms of love that exist outside of romantic relationships, but this strong emotion takes form in the relationships we have with our families and friends. Love’s fluidity is why it drives many of our memories and bonds formed throughout life.
Having someone there for you, to cheer you on after receiving great news, is a heartwarming feeling that cannot be described as anything but love. Having someone listen to your little triumphs is love. Having someone put everything aside to listen to your woes is love.
Going forward, one must recognize those in their life that provide solace and comfort to them — family or not — and express compassion to them.
Slow down in your day-to-day activities and look at those around you — friends, family or even strangers. What are they all going through? When was the last time someone told them that they are valued and loved? Be the person to make someone’s day by giving them recognition and validation that they deserve.
Empathy and compassion are skills that will only boost human connection year-round. Put your own needs aside and slow down to show a genuine concern and appreciation for others’ needs to make them feel seen and valued.
This story was written by Bella Gruber. She can be reached at [email protected].
